​The Philadelphia Phillies made a notable Triple-A roster move on Friday night, releasing a switch-hitting outfielder from his contract. The 27-year-old had previously spent time with the Chicago Cubs this season, appearing in three games, and now his path with the Phillies has come to a close as he exits Lehigh Valley’s roster. This development follows the Phillies’ decision to sign him to a minor league deal in May, a move that brought him to the organization with the hope of adding depth and upside from the farm system.
According to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies have parted ways with Dylan Carlson. Carlson had been in the Phillies’ fold since May, with the expectation that he could contribute at the Triple-A level and potentially translate that into a major league opportunity if circumstances allowed. In 40 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the former St. Louis Cardinals top prospect struggled to a .181 batting average, posting a .307 on-base percentage and a .307 slugging percentage, along with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Those numbers reflected the challenges Carlson faced in adjusting to the higher levels of the game, and they have been a focal point in evaluating his long-term fit within the organization.
Analysts and reporters have weighed in on Carlson’s trajectory. Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors noted that Carlson was 11% better than league average in his first full major league season in 2021, but since then he has consistently had difficulty making meaningful contact. Wright pointed to a 30.5% hard-hit rate with the Orioles last year, which aligns with his career mark of about 30.8%, suggesting that while he can hit the ball hard, quality contact and consistency have remained issues. Additionally, Carlson has been viewed as a subpar outfielder by Defensive Runs Saved dating back to 2024, a factor that likely contributed to the Phillies’ decision to move on.
Back in 2021, Carlson was ranked as the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect on MLB Pipeline, marking his best offensive season to date. That year, he delivered 18 home runs and a .780 OPS across 149 games, highlighting the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect when he was in St. Louis’ farm system. The Phillies, who acquired Carlson on a minor league deal, will now be left to determine where his career goes from here. With the latest move, he will presumably search for another minor league pact after his release from Philadelphia.
As the baseball world continues to monitor how teams handle their rosters and prospects in the minor leagues, this situation underscores the uncertainty that comes with depth players on the cusp of major league consideration. Carlson’s release opens up a roster spot for Philadelphia’s staff to pursue alternative options within the organization or in free agency, while Carlson evaluates his options and contemplates his next steps in professional baseball.
In other organizational chatter around the league, discussions persist about various teams navigating trade talks and potential acquisitions, including how different clubs are approaching the market for outfield depth and power hitting throughout the season. The dynamic landscape of the majors often sees players move between affiliates and majors, with minor league performance sometimes translating into late-season roster opportunities or future spring trainings. Carlson’s career arc—rising as a top Cardinals prospect, facing ups and downs at the major league level, and now seeking another opportunity—embodies the ongoing push-and-pull you see across baseball’s farm systems.